Musculoskeletal pain commonly affects the back, neck, joints, or muscles. This kind of pain can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy everyday activities. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our physiatrists specialize in finding the underlying causes of musculoskeletal pain rather than simply trying to mask symptoms. When you come to us for treatment, we start by diagnosing the source of your discomfort and recommending non-surgical methods designed to relieve pain and restore function. Many patients find that our care plans are effective even when surgery has been recommended elsewhere.
Common Musculoskeletal Conditions We Treat
Musculoskeletal conditions can develop from injuries, years of wear and tear, or underlying diseases. Whatever the cause of your musculoskeletal condition, our physicians have the training and experience to identify it and recommend the most effective course of treatment.
Musculoskeletal conditions we commonly treat include:
- Osteoarthritis: The gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain, most often in the knees, hips, and hands
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, which frequently affects the shoulders, hips, or elbows
- Tendonitis: Irritation or inflammation of a tendon, common in the rotator cuffs, the elbows (tennis or golfer’s elbow), or the knees
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments, which often results from sports, heavy lifting, or sudden movements
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain triggered by sensitive points within tight muscle tissues, commonly felt in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Sciatica and Pinched Nerves: Pain that radiates from the lower back into the hips, buttocks, or legs when a nerve becomes compressed or irritated
- Sports Injuries: Injuries like ACL tears or meniscal tears, which can limit mobility and typically require targeted rehabilitation plans
How We Diagnose Musculoskeletal Conditions
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we believe that accurate diagnoses are the foundation of the most effective treatments. Before we recommend any therapy, our physicians conduct thorough physical examinations and review your medical history in full, so we understand the full picture of your condition. From there, we may also draw on advanced diagnostic tools available right in our offices, which include:
- Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds, which allow us to see the musculoskeletal structures beneath the surface without invasive procedures
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies that can detect damage to the nerves and muscles
- Diagnostic injections, such as medial branch blocks or discography, that let us pinpoint the exact source of spinal pain
This level of diagnostic precision allows us to create treatment plans centered around your specific condition instead of generic protocols.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
As physiatrists, we view surgery as a last resort rather than a starting point. We favor treatments that relieve pain, promote healing, and restore function without the risks and recovery time that surgery demands. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include:
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises designed to rebuild strength, flexibility, and range of motion
- Trigger Point Injections: A combination of dry needling and lidocaine that releases tight, painful muscle spasms
- Ultrasound-Guided Injections: Precise delivery of corticosteroids directly into affected joints, tendons, or nerves
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A treatment that uses platelets isolated from your own blood to accelerate your body’s natural healing processes
- Acupuncture: An ancient and effective therapy that stimulates the release of endorphins to relieve pain and encourage healing
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy: Pulsed electromagnetic field treatments that reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to injured tissues
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that interrupts pain signals by deadening the affected nerve or nerves
Our team frequently recommends combinations of these therapies to accelerate recovery. We also often incorporate complementary approaches, such as nutritional guidance or mindfulness techniques, to support our patients’ overall well-being.
Why Choose Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine?
The physicians at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine are fellowship-trained physiatrists who focus exclusively on physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management. We treat every patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis, and we collaborate closely with physical therapists and other specialists to give you comprehensive, coordinated care. Our physiatrists have been recognized by Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors, Newsday’s Top Doctors on Long Island, and New York Super Doctors for the exceptional care we provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our patients have questions about what to expect when they visit a physiatrist for a musculoskeletal condition. Below, we answer a few of the questions we hear most often.
What is a physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists focus on improving function and relieving pain through non-surgical treatments rather than performing surgery themselves.
Will I need surgery for my musculoskeletal condition?
Most musculoskeletal conditions respond well to non-surgical care, and our physiatrists view surgery as a last resort, not a starting point. Injections, physical therapy, and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and PRP, can often relieve pain and restore mobility without an operation. If we find that surgery is ultimately necessary, we can coordinate referrals to trusted specialists and remain engaged in your treatment plan.
How long does treatment take?
Your exact recovery timeline will depend on your specific condition and its severity. During your initial consultation, our team can give you a clearer picture of what to expect from your individualized treatment plan.
Arrange Your Consultation with Us Today
If musculoskeletal pain has limited your mobility or your quality of life, Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can help you find lasting relief. Contact us to arrange a consultation at one of our convenient Long Island locations in East Meadow, Great Neck, Lawrence, or Huntington. New patients can also take advantage of same-day appointments by calling 1-888-SPINE-1-1.